We’ve talked Diastasis Recti before. I had no idea how important that original post would become. I had no idea how many women were out there suffering silently, wondering how this had happened.

Women

just

like

Me.

Ever since I mustered up the courage to post that first blog entry on the topic, I’ve been on a quest. I’ve been searching for support garments in and out of pregnancy. I’ve searched for the right size, the right amount of coverage, the right comfort level. I’ve also faithfully stood by the Tupler Technique„¢ as the ONLY way to actually FIX what was broken.

However,

I did not think The Tupler Technique„¢ could really fix

ME.

After all, my diastasis was HUGE. Unfixable…except with surgery…

In February, I consulted with a plastic surgeon who basically said he’d never seen anything like

THAT.

He said he could bring the fascia together, but not the muscles. He said he couldn’t really help me.

I left his office crying.

The only thing to do now was to CONCEAL the diastasis as best as I could with a brace and compression garments.

OR…

Was there a way I could actually HEAL?

That’s when I ended up in touch with Julie Tupler herself!

She believed in

Me.

And IF she believed in MY ability to heal…a 10+ finger width diastasis…then ANYONE could heal! And if THAT was possible, then I would shout it from the rooftops!

And so, the journey begins…

NOTE: The 4 tools I talk about below are great if you have the money; however, I still wholeheartedly endorse the book and offer some other “tweaking” ideas in my post: So, I Fell Off the Wagon.

Today, I have in hand 4 tools:1. Julie Tupler’s DVD
{The DVD is so much better than the book I bought back in 2007! Julie shows you exactly how to put on the splint – even double splinting like I have to- and goes through all the exercises WITH you. Watching this, I also realized my diastasis was MUCH larger than I had originally supposed because I was not checking it correctly. I received this DVD free of charge.}

3. Two Diastasis Rehab Splints„¢
The splint at top is the splint Julie now sells. I have 2 of these as per Julie’s orders since my diastasis is so large. The splint shown below is the old one I bought in 2007 – this is the splint I could not recommend. I had no idea it had been revamped. I wholeheartedly endorse the new version! Using two of them has been perfect for what I needed. To see how to wear the splint, view the video shown here. {I received the two new splints free of charge.}

4. Online Support from Julie herself.
{This is something that is coming soon to Julie’s website. I’m getting Julie live via Skype free of charge. The online support program will be in a webinar format. I had my first session with Julie last week! It was so nice to have her doing the exercises along with me and cheering me on! But, I will tell you, she’s not a pushover! No half-hearted attempts at the exercises allowed!}

The Tummy Chronicles will give you a candid look at one mom’s hope to heal. This will be a no-holds-barred chronicle of the program…the ups, the downs, and everything in between. This is real, folks. This is

Me.

If you would like to join me on this journey, the first 3 items on my list are the ones you will need to get started (see note). You will need to measure your waist around the belly button to get the right splint size (make sure you order 2 if need be!)

Be sure and check your diastasis to see how large it is so you can track your progress. To check for a diastasis, READ THIS CAREFULLY. As I said above, I thought my diastasis was smaller than it actually was. Mine is a 10+ finger width, meaning I don’t even have enough fingers to check it!

Also, my connective tissue is VERY weak. I can actually see my internal organs moving just below the skin. Julie talks more about this in the DVD.

And lastly, Julie said something to me that has really stuck with me as I’ve begun this journey…{and I paraphrase}…

Having a diastasis is like having a broken bone. To heal, a broken bone must have a cast on it. The splint is like a cast. It might not always be comfortable, but that is what it takes to heal.

I’ve spent so much time looking for comfort, I never even thought about the possibility that healing isn’t always a comfortable business.

I am committed.

I want this. I need this. I’d love to have you join me!

Note: You can do this program to PREVENT a diastasis AND you can do this program while you are PREGNANT! Please, please let other women know that this IS preventable!

87 thoughts on “Diastasis Recti Tummy Chronicles”

Thanks so much for your courage in sharing this. Following the directions as best I can, I believe that I am at 4 finger widths…

I was reading on Julie’s site about the splint & she mentioned that if you don’t want to buy one of hers, to “make your own.” I really wish I *could* afford the splint, but just don’t think I can at this time… Do you have idea about making one or if the exercises themselves would begin to help while I save up for purchasing a splint???

Thanks again for doing this! It is already a blessing just to finally have a NAME for it!

Sherri,
I’m writing down questions for Julie so I can try to answer them as I go. I’ll ask her what she thinks. I would say for now, definitely do the exercises! However, I’d take the arms of a sweater or something like that and wrap it around you as you do the exercises so the muscles are being exercised in the right position. It’s hard to put myself out there like this, but since that first post came out, it has become obvious this is a little known problem that has huge complications and misunderstandings surrounding it. {HUGS}

Until your post about this I had no idea this could happen to women! I do not suffer from it, but I will keep you and others in my prayers that this program will help you! God Bless you & thank you for the wonderful blog I so love to read.

I think I am a 3, if I am following the directions correctly. I want to follow along with you! But there is such a big difference in price between the book and the dvd. Is the program doable with the book instead of the dvd?

One more question Amy. I think my hubby may be interested in doing the program for men…do you know if it is necessary to buy both dvd’s (the one for women and the the one for men)? Or are the exercises the same?

I know the men’s program is different, but I’m not sure the exercises are different per say. I honestly don’t know much about the men’s program; although I am interested in the one for kids she has coming out. The book is good, the DVD just goes more in depth and actually shows you how rather than just tells you…which for me was a good thing. But, if that’s what you can afford, then I would say go for it!

Thank you so much for sharing this!!! I have had five c-section’s, four in the last five years! I have always wondered what was wrong with my belly and none of the doctors have told me. I figured it was a weight issue so o have been trying to loose pounds and wear a corset style girdle. I am def. Going to sign up for this!

I am pregnant with my 4th baby? and have had 3 c-ections and a D&C due to miscarriage… my doctor told me to stop having kids after my last baby be/c 4 sections were too risky… what has your experience been like with 5 Cections… my email is andreadelorenzo@ verizon.net

I had seven years in between my first c-section and second pregnancy. With the 2nd pregnancy we were going to do a v-bac. At six months the doctor said the hospital changed policies and it was no longer allowed. I was naive and took his advice for a second surgery. At number three we again were hoping for a v-bac but this time the doctor literally scared the life out of me with horror stories. Number four we moved to a new state, new doctor. This time I was getting smarter about births and did my own research but I think I learned too much too late. I love the doctor we have here. At number five, the office I go to requires that you see all the doctors there in case you go into labor, you are familiar with everyone. So I go in for my appointment with one of the other doctors and he is like the one who scared the life out of me. I say scare the “life” because I feel that is exactly what he is trying to prevent. He told me all sorts of gorry horror stories. I left the office crying thinking we would never have another child after this one. The next week I insisted I see my regular doctor and told him what had happened. He was so kind. He didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear. They have to warn mothers on the risks of any surgeries by law, but at the same time, ANY woman, surgery or not, takes a risk when pregnant or delivery. We are not in control, the Lord is. What he did say to me is that I can have as many children as I want but he wants the children I already have to have a mother. So with every surgery he will, and has, told us if it’s safe to have more children by how thin my uterus is becoming, then we can make the decision. He also suggested we wait 2 years in between pregnancies to try for another. He also said that healing is the most important part right after. With this last baby he said “Yep, at least four more!” I notice it does take longer to heal the more I have but that could be my age too. My best advice is to seek out a doctor who chooses life and shares in your convictions. We, the hubs and I, are not using any kind of preventative measures for pregnancies. The Lord knows what the doctor said and he knows our hearts and if He should bless us with a baby before the 2 years then we will continue to glorify Him for the blessing and pray through it all. My doctor has said that in his office there is a woman who had six surgeries and she is fine where another woman had 1 and he said it is too dangerous for her to continue. I read in Above Rubies Magazine a woman had 10!!! I will pray for you and your baby and that the Lord will grant you and your husband wisdom to know what you should do. When you choose life, He is faithful!

When I had my post partum check a couple of weeks ago the nurse told me I had a diastasis…the first medical professional to actually check! I knew I had this because I had already bought the book, dvd, and splint prior to my last pregnancy. I would love to go on this journey with you. I have not checked my diastasis yet because I have been afraid to actually admit it is bad. I am going to order a new splint that will fit because mine doesn’t fit now. How do you wear 2?

You put the first one on the bottom and then layer the second one on top. I’ll have pictures next post. I think on her website there is a video of wearing two and I know on the DVD she has a segment on wearing 2. I’m so glad you had someone willing to tell you what was going on…even if you did already know!

I asked Julie the same thing! She said I should continue to do the exercises as they are safe for pregnancy and while there will be stretching and pulling of the muscles there, it will not be nearly the mess I’ve had the last few pregnancies.

Thank you very much for being so open with this I never heard of this but after reading about it I now know I also have this too. I really hope this program helps you! I am going to look into starting this up and maybe it with help with my chronic back pain.

Chronic back pain IS a symptom. I’ve not struggled with that, but as you can see from the pictures my back is very sway-backed (I had no idea how bad it was until I took those picture!) Julie did ask me about back pain though as that is a common thing with DR.

Oh! I have been doing this as well, so I am with you! I was SHOCKED to discover I had this problem! I couldn’t understand what was happening.. my stomach went back after my first two! I will join you! I have been using a piece of fabric, because I cannot afford the splint. I have the book and I will look back and do my measurements so that I can begin anew along with!

Thanks for this post. I have this as well, though not very severe. I look forward to hearing about your progress. My midwife told me about Tupler’s book and I did the exercises but never had the splint. Even so, I could tell a difference when I did the exercises faithfully.

The timing of this post was an answer from God for me. I’m 6 months postpartum with #3. I noticed in the last 2 months or so that I’ve started looking pregnant again (I even tested twice because of it–negative). I had a uterine tumor after a previous loss that had to be treated for 8 months, so I started wondering if I had another tumor (which, honestly, was freaking me out a bit, since it would be a huge tumor if that’s what it was).

Your posts on the condition describe me exactly. I did the test, and I believe I’m at about 3 or 4 finger widths. I have an appointment with my OB/GYN next week to discuss it.

Thank you for being brave enough to share your personal experience with this, because I had never heard of it before. It’s a relief to have an answer to what’s going on. I’m curious to see how much my doctor knows about it.

Thanks for posting this. I’ve made my mind to heal mine after I have our 5th in July. We had twins in 6/09 (1v,1ecs)& the doc said she tried to sew my muscles back together. I don’t think I have but a 3 or 4 finger width. Glad to know this can be done during pregnancy. If I can start before I definitely will. Thanks for being brave enough to post this! Now what can be done about the extra belly? I am scared that when I do lose the baby fat I will have ‘twin belly’ forever.

Haha! I see that no one has replied to this! I only laugh because I have also had twins, and envy other moms flat bellies… I would imagine that “twin belly” does go away, tho. Probably just takes a little longer than a singleton belly.

It’s very encouraging to read all the comments and suggestions on here. My belly seemed to go back down after my 2nd child, but then I got pregnant with twins, and 1 1/2 yrs later with another set of twins. I’d always thought having such a large belly since then was normal. My husband tells me I’m still beautiful to him but I look in the mirror and DON’T like what I see…belly-wise. It’s nice to know there is help out there!

Amy,
Thanks so much for this post. I’ve know that I have this condition for several years, but am now motivated to do something about it. My split is about 4 fingers wide (after 7 pregnancies). I just ordered what I will need and look forward to joining you on this journey.
Nancy

Hi Amy,
I am so glad to see this post. I truly believe you can be healed as well!!! How wonderful that you have been in contact with Julie herself.
I’m not sure if you remember but we exchanged emails a while back about this. I let you know about my umbilical hernia from the diastasis recti.
I am 19 weeks pregnant and I WANT SO BADLY to do the exercises during pregnancy. However, I tried, with the splint, the other night. It was very uncomfortable and I felt like I was hurting the baby (it wasn’t on too tight). I couldn’t find anything on the website that showed how to wear the splint in pregnancy. I have the Maternal Fitness book and I know she says it’s safe but why does it feel so uncomfortable when I do it? And very sore the next day even though I only did a few. It didn’t feel like that before the pregnancy when I would do the exercises.

Talked to Julie. Here’s her response:
“Yes they can wear in pregnancy some women do not like to do this as it is uncomfortable for them and others can’t get one to fit. But they can wear it if it fits. If they have a huge diastasis I do recommend it
I always have them splint in week 4 of program when doing seated and backlying exercises exercises and most importantly when they are pushing in labor to keep the baby in the right position ”
Hope that helps!

Thank you Amy. I tried it again last night and it wasn’t uncomfortable…I think maybe the “aching” and stuff I was feeling afterwards was from the working of the muscles. It just feels different because I”m pregnant and I worried it was hurting the baby.
If you get a chance, would you mind asking Julie about umbilical hernias? The only thing I’ve read on it (in a good light) is from that blog I’ve posted. I would love to get her input on if I would be able to reverse or keep it from getting worse while pregnant, or after.
Thanks so much! I can see that so many of us are really excited about this series.

Here’s her answer:An umbilical hernia is a side effect of the diastasis rectiâ€¦ Once the connective tissue is healed, the belly button will go from an outie to an innie againâ€¦.
Bonnie Wayne, one of my licensees from Illinois, talks about healing her umbilical hernia during her pregnancy! It is on one of her blogs. So your reader can read about it there.
So yes, this program will help the umbilical hernia during pregnancy. Either reversing it or keeping it from getting worse.

I have Julie’s video, but I don’t understand it. I know that sounds crazy, but I even had a PT friend come over and try to help me understand what she is telling me to do. I don’t “feel” anything when she says to. Sigh.

Ok, I’ll try again. I have one of the old splints. I will have to see how much the new one is. I know I can’t do the video until I have the splint though.

It sure would be nice to not be asked if I was pregnant anymore when I’m not.

Do you know how large your DR is? I know you have to really work to strengthen those muscles so you CAN feel something. You also have to be careful not to move any other muscles (like your shoulders and back and legs) while you are doing the exercises. She also goes much slower than I was going before, so take a look at the part where she does the exercise with you. And put your hands at the top and bottom so at least you feel the movement on the outside. I really hope you will join me and maybe we can encourage each other to do the full 18 wk program!

Also I wanted to share this wonderful blog with your readers. http://beautifulafterthebelly.blogspot.com/
She is an instructor and gives details about her clients and some of the healing stories are just so amazing! It’s definitely encouraging.

I know I have it but I’m really not quite sure as to how large. I don’t think it is too large. I didn’t really have it until after the birth of my 3rd daughter. I guess 3 pregnancies in 3 years was enough to do it! I have thought about getting the book and DVD and starting this program but haven’t yet. I’m gonna buy the stuff now and do it. I wanna feel better about my belly!

Okay, I hope this doesn’t sound crazy. I am 20 weeks pregnant and am considering buying the package for pregnant women. I have had DR since the birth of our third child and that was more than 5 years ago. I was told my only hope was surgery, but not to have surgery until we were done having children. Well, we are “quiver minded” so we don’t KNOW when we are done. Anyway, my question – do you know if the cd “Coming Contractions” has any whacko new age meditation type stuff on it? I have had too many yoga videos like that, and I really don’t want to listen to that type of thing. Any thoughts? Has anyone else out there done this program while pregnant? Thank you!

I suffered from diastasis recti with my last two pregnancies as well. I had almost completely healed it after my second baby, and then I started working out harder and ended up pushing myself too much, and all my progress shot out the window. But it’s caused me horrible issues with my back, mostly. And of course, the tummy is super irritating.

Andrea- I’m interesting in what you find out. We’re in the same boat…don’t know when we won’t have any more children, have had a distasis since #3 and it has gotten worse with a hernia now (I’m 19wks pg with #5). I would be very interested in getting the pregnancy package if I KNEW that it would help in my situation. If you wind up getting them please let us know how you like it.

1. Months ago after reading your DR story and knowing I’ve got a 4 finger DR, I bought the Tupler DVD and booklet and the back brace you recommended at that time. Can you ask Julie if that brace will do, or should I make/buy the revamped splints?

2. I tell everyone I know and anyone who will listen about diastasis recti and your recommended resouces. It is SO COMMON!

So, your brace is different from the one in the picture? My old one was 4 years old, so I know it was outdated, but if yours has the notch like mine, then they are the same. Let me know and I can ask Julie. Glad to have you along!

If you don’t get the DVD, you’ll need the book for sure. It’s just more info to sort through and doesn’t have Julie right there showing you how it is done. However, that’s where I started, so the book is good and where your DR is so small, I think the book will be enough. Pushing is not what caused mine…it was just carrying the babies (they were all rather large!) I’ve never had extremely strong stomach muscles. I would definitely go ahead and strengthen those muscles…I wish I had.

I have never commented on a blog before, but I just had to tell you that you that this post has changed my life. I had my first baby in January of 2009 and 6 months later, I still looked 6 months pregnant! I thought maybe I just had gained too much weight in my pregnancy. So then I got pregnant again when my first one was 7 months old, and I instantly looked 6 or 7 months pregnant. I just thought, maybe I just get really big really fast! I was relieved for the pregnant belly though so that I actually had a reason for looking like that. Well my second one is 13 months now and I still look about 5 months pregnant. About 5 months ago, I told my husband, I can’t do this anymore, I don’t understand why this isn’t going away. So I joined a gym, at my family’s sacrifice of my time, but my husband was supportive because he knew how unhappy about it I was. I work out for an hour 4-5 times a week and the rest of me has been getting in shape, but my belly remains the same. It’s all I see when I look in the mirror and have been so confused about what I was doing wrong and why it wasn’t getting smaller. Of course, I’ve been doing lots of crunches, which now I see won’t help!
I started following your blog only about a month ago, so I had never seen your original post on this topic. Last night, I opened the computer and read your post and was so shaken up. I went and did the check, and sure enough, that’s exactly what I have. I just kept crying and crying. I was relieved to finally understand what the issue is, but scared that it would never go away.
So today I ordered those 3 items and am ready to start this journey and am praying that it will work. I am so tired of getting asked when I am due, it’s devastating. So I just wanted to say thank you SO much for being brave enough to post this. I had NEVER heard of this and am so relieved to finally have an answer.

So… I’ve known for years that this is what I have (DR), and I was also under the impression that it was surgery or nothing (like another commentor said). God is our ‘birth-control’ – so surgery wasn’t an option…
I feel like it’s a bit of a long-shot since I don’t have back pain or any big reason to fix this (other than an umbilical hernia, and not liking the way it looks) – so would you PLEASE PRAY that my husband would agree to let me buy this? =D
Thank you!!

Amy,
I am new to your blog, and out of curiosity hit your button for this…and I think this is what has been wrong with me. When my son was born, my midwife told me I torn my muscles…and just had to deal with it, he is now 20 yrs old, my next son came and finally my daughter, who had to be delivered by c-section…she is 15, can or is there still hope in the technique for me?

This program brought me from 4 finger widths down to 1 after I had my third baby. I highly recommend it. I did it in conjuction with running and Weight Watchers and I lost 57 lbs in addition to closing my diastis quite a bit. I only wish it would make the extra skin go away too, but only a tummy tuck can do that.

Words cannot express how happy I am to find USEFUL information on this subject. I am 25, and have a one year old daughter via.c-section. I have been a size 3-5 my whole entire life….until after my csection. However…I did have a large 80lb weightgain in my pregnancy..my doctor told me my stomach would be back to normal shortly after pregnancy…little did I know with my weight gain and having a c-section…it would leave me with a large “overhang” of skin on my stomache….so that’s where everything started….I wated to know why I still looked pregnant months afterpregnancy…and now I know I have this condition. This has changed my life dramaticly. I am now about a size 15…and very very extremely unhappy with my stomach.I know that diet and exercize will help me a lot…but I know it will still leave my tummy looking just horrible. I believe I am suffering from post pardom. I love how I can read about this and really start to understand what my bodys going through. My boyfriend does not understand to the whole extent of my pain from this, and I know I am so unhappy from the stress I’m just not myself anymore. I am on the fence with my relationship…I don’t go out much anymore because I still look pregnant..and my life ( besides my absolutly beautiful perfect daughter) is jus not the same. I know…every one says your stretch marks and stuff are reminders of you bringing a beautiful life into the world…but I feel I can’t be the best mother I can be with me constantly feeling like this. Words cannot discribe how upset I am about this. Thank you …you are a inspiration and I will definatly look into your treatment options.

It’s great to read your blog about this! I haven’t been able to stick with the Tupler method, but I should really give it another try. Over a year ago, I started a Facebook support group for Diastasis Recti. Please feel free to join in the conversations. http://www.facebook.com/groups/98165971386

I am a mom who has had 10 c-sections. I also have had this seperation of the stomach.I also have had the surgery to put every thing back into place. If anyone has any questions they would like to ask me on either subject I would be glad to answer questions or just talk with you.My email address is imperialpm@gmail.com.I also am on facebook under maryellen ford,Rochester,NY.

Oh my goodness! There is a name for what I have!!! I perpetually look 6 months pregnant. I have had 2 c-sections, 10 kids including one set of twins and I think this happened with the twins. NO ONE has ever mentioned this to me before. I even have the swayed looking back as you showed in the photo and prolapse problems now. I am very appreciative for the information!

Hi Amy,
I am so happy a friend told me about your blog! I am following your diastasis recti story–as I too have a severe diastasis recti. Mine is about 8 fingers wide–but there have been days it has seemed wider. I purchased Julie Tupler’s stuff…the splint, the dvd, the book…but it isn’t until reading your blog that I realize I am going to need TWO splints! I don’t think I can splurge for another! It was a budgetary stretch to get the first set. Do you think I will be able to get results with just one? I’ve started a new blog recently and would like to document like you have…before and after pics…to show the results! I am confident it will work–but am I going to have to have that 2nd splint??? Thanks for your feedback!

OH–one more question–I seem to have a lot of extra SKIN that comes out when I put on the splint…and that makes my clothing look REALLY crazy. Got any tips? It literally looks like a muffin top AND a saggy baggy.

There is going to be a log of extra skin if you need 2 and even with 2 you may see that. However, I think you can make it work, you will just have to be extra conscious of holding in your transverse all the time because you won’t have that extra splint to help.

Thank you for your story and your honesty. Last week I was at the grocery store when I was asked when I was due and she even touched my belly! This was the 5th time someone has asked me this dreaded question since my youngest was born, she’s now 19 months old. I decided I’d had enough, I had to figure out why do I still look 7 months pregnant? Today I stumbled on your blog and I am encouraged to see I’m not in this alone. Thank you for the seed of hope that you have planted – I’m going to purchase Julie Tubler’s program as soon as I can afford it. Thank you!

Hey,
Just wanted to update you. Istarted the Tuppler Technique after my last baby was born in March. I don’t think I actually got started doing it till April or May even, because it took a while for me to discover what was wrong and find a way to fix it.
I bought her book, discovered I had a 5 finger diastasis, all the way from the pubic bone to the sternum.
I am now 8 months PP, tonight I checked my diastasis, and I can say I am HEALED. I cannot wedge even one finger in between them, I can’t dip in even a tiny bit. The fascia must be tight too, because there is no depth, just flat, muscle.
I don’t look like I have a flat stomach yet, there is still about an inch of fat over the front of my abdominals, and loose skin.
I have lost 20 pounds, and 8 inches.
Today, I worked out, with pilates, avoiding the 100, and some other things which I was concerned about, but those muscles are STRONG, stronger than they have been after any of my kids. (I have 5).
If I felt it was a good thing to do, I am confident I could do a situp. I’m amazed.
Thanks for writing these posts. I hope I can dig up the latest one with your new update too!

I have this also. Mine isn’t as large because with my last section they sewed the muscle back together. It still has to heal though. I have NO clue I had this either. I had it after my 2nd son,after 2 years ago and had no clue. I could just cry reading this. I know how you feel. After my 2nd son I exercised myself too death and never could figure out why my tummy would not go all the way down. I was huge while I was pregnant with my 3rd baby (just born 5 months ago) and was told it was b/c the stomach muscle was torn loose. I can tell a huge difference after the 2nd and 3rd baby since they sewed the muscle up,but I still look pregnant at times and like I said it’s not healed yet. I just found out about 2 weeks ago what this was called. My care provider did not inform me. I was doing crunches,which are not good at all for it. A friend told me about the Tupler Technique and I looked it up. I am ordering the DVD and splint this weekend and I want to get started on my healing,in more way than one.

I’ve had a milder Diastasis recti 2 fingers although it really bothers me and my core feels weak and low back has been painful. My difficulties are that I never addressed till more recent and my last and second child was born two years ago. Is there hope for me to repair this?

No, it has not healed my diastasis, but that is my fault. You can never stop the program. I did. Also, Julie said that with pregnancy, you can modify the exercises, but you cannot “heal” during pregnancy, only maintain.

I healed my DR from 5 + fingers to just 1. However, I am now pregnant again, and in my 4th month, and I am finding it very hard to maintain. I suspect that I will have to return to the program fully after the next baby, and won’t ever be able to say “it’s done”. The other thing I noticed is that while I was able to close the gap, I was not able to shorten the length of the abdominal recti muscles, so they still bowed forward somewhat. I did lose about 10 inches around my waist (much of that was the baby weight, 40 lb loss.) I hope to try again and see if being even more diligent with the program returns better results. I was not very diligent in the application of the program. I also have rectal and bladder prolapses, which make it hard to wear the belts all the time, as they press down on the innards and sometimes make the prolapses worse. I’m working on Hab It (a dvd for prolapse/pelvic floor rehabilitation). I’m still working out the kinks… I hope to have better results after baby 6.

In all I’d say her program is worth it though, as it decreased my pain, and made my tummy flat enough to look flat in clothing. It wasn’t actually FLAT, but it looked good in clothes.

Hi my name is Janet Cody. I am a 31 yr old mother of a 3 yr old boy and a 20 month old girl. I have always been in great shape and have worked out since i was 16 yrs old. I gained 45 lbs w/ both pregnancies and luckily w/ a lot of sweat and discipline lost all of the baby weight. However, like many moms.. i have developed diastasis recti which still makes me look like i’m 3 mos pregnant. annoying!!! i am 5’4 125 lbs athletic. I actually just had my umbilical hernia repaired..only because it was covered by insurance. my stomach appears flat to others only because i suck in my gut all day long. however if i let it all go out..it looks like i’m 3 mos pregnant. i’m hoping this umbiical hernia surgery makes my outtie bellybutton an innie again..but we’ll see. the dr claims i would have needed a tummy tuck to correct diastasis and that tiny tiny pooch i have. (stll wear a size 2 jean) but i realize he IS a dr and wants to make as much money as he can. He does not believe there ANY videos or books that can correct diastisis on its own w/o any surgery. i’m trying to become a believer in this “tupler technique”. Has anyone had any luck w/ it? Am willing to try..i just need to know that it actually works so I dont waste my children’s money. Thank you for your time.

I did the program (half heartedly) for almost 10 months, and closed my DR from 5+ to 2, I still didn’t have a totally flat tummy without holding it in. But I also didn’t do the program perfectly. I am not disciplined, you sound like you are, I bet you’d have even more spectacular results. I was satisfied with my results. I didn’t look pregnant wen I held it in, and I no longer had pain. So I met my goals. I hope to work the program better after this baby. Speaking of this baby, (number 6), I find it easier to carry the baby, and I appear smaller than I typically have in the past, even though I do not weigh less. I attribute that to the program.

I really like the program, and it’s not much money if it doesn’t work out well… much cheaper than surgery, even if surgery is covered by healthcare. Surgery would lay me up for days or weeks….

Hi Amy!
Let me first say that I love your blog and the honesty of so many like myself who also sufferred from DR for the last couple of years. I had no idea what it was until after my second child was born and I noticed that no amount of working out was helping to decrease the belly I never had before my babies. I was able to lose my mommy belly within four months after the birth of my first child…and while I gained 15 more pds with the second…I just couldn’t understand why my belly button was protruding and why I still looked pregnant. The doctor actually thought after looking at me that I had an umbillical hernia. A scan showed no hernia but severe DR. After researching what it was I talked to a trainer at my gym and she told me about Julie’s technique. I bought the belt and the dvds and began doing it daily, but to no avail. My belly became the thing to hide in all clothes. And, I did it well with undergarments etc.. so I would feel more comfortable with how I looked. I could stick 3 to 4 fingers in the hole that I was left with on my petite frame. I finally discussed with my primary how I felt and she suggested talking to a plastic surgeon. After much thought I finally did almost 3 years after having my beautiful second daughter. I was lucky enough to connect with a wonderful doctor who told me I was the perfect candidate for a tummy tuck since I was physically fit except for the big bulge that sucking in couldn’t hide on many days! I am happy to say that today marks a month post op for me. The surgery went amazingly well and my healing has been all that I expected and more. I struggled about whether the timing was right since I am a busy Mommy of an 8 year old and toddler. Would the little one understand why Mommy couldn’t do anything for awhile…including picking her up? Also, asked myself if I would be a burden on my family because they would have to do so much for me and our girls. I would have to say I have not one regret. Surgery is not for everyone…it took guts for me to go under the knife fearing complications and thoughts of not being able to do anything for my girls. But, my husband and family members and friends rallied….could not have done it without them. I have learned that petite women who have big babies like me definitely have a higher chance of ending up with DR after pregnancy. I have also discovered that depending on what you read…there are so many thoughts on whether or not you can shake the Mummy Tummy with certain excerises. I know you probably have heard both sides…and don’t want to discourage you from trying. I feel for you and everyone on this post who just want to look like they did before the blessed days of birth! My babies are my world! Good luck and keep us posted on your progress! If you or anyone else has any questions…please don’t hesitate to ask….I truly want to help as you are doing just by talking about it.
A reluctant but very happy MOM!

I am so thankful for your honesty with this. At least 3 or 4x a year I am “assumed to be pregnant”-the latest was a two-month period at our homeschool co-op! The woman did not know I wasn’t pregnant until I shared that I had just had a 7-week miscarriage (and the timing would not be right-she would have thought I was at least 6 months pregnant 2 months before! And a man at wal-mart offered to pray for me and my kids, and then during the prayer prayed for the child in my womb. I just thanked him-did not want to embarrass him (as I had been). I was a dancer, still try to be in my LR but I miss having a “core” of any sort. My hip flexor muscle are so big b/c I use them so much instead of my tummy (my back is used too much too, but in a bad way). Anyway. I am so encouraged to find this and can’t wait to read the future posts.

I used the first part of the program for a year, after my 5th baby. At that time I had a Diastasis Recti that was so large, my intestines were falling through and causing me pain. I can’t remember exactly how big it was, but I do recall that I measured it wrongly at first, and got about 5 fingers… I think it was more like 8… (my memory is terrible these days).

Anyhow, While I had a 10lb 9oz baby in the 5th pregnancy, my 6th was only 9lb 12oz. I attribute this to having fixed the diastasis (I was only 1-2 fingers prior to conception). During the pregnancy I continued with the exercises as much as I could remember to, and continued to wear a brace (under belly support once I got bigger, and a tight belly sock throughout).

(I didn’t eat healthy and I gained too much weight, so that was not a contributing factor to the size of the baby. I think it was just due to the fact that baby was supported and constrained more.)

Anyway, during delivery I had a doula, who used a scarf to pull the recti muscles together while I pushed. After delivery I went into a surgical brace for three days, and then an intermittant brace thereafter. I had a 3 finger DR after this baby, and only right in the middle, not all the way from the pelvis to the sternum as before. I haven’t been doing my exercises, or wearing the brace (i do plan to get back too it, i just need a new brace)… but still the DR is nowhere near what it was after baby 5.

I just wanted to encourage you all, that this program DOES help. I didn’t CURE me, and I’ll have to continue to perform the exercises especially if I have more children (which I hope for! God willing!). But you don’t have to look 3-6 months pregnant all the time, and more importantly… you don’t have to endue all that hip and back pain that goes with this!

Another good program for pelvic floor issues (slightly related to DR) is Hab It… a dvd program to strengthen the core and the pelvic floor. Works well. I no longer wet when I laugh, and I don’t suffer pain from a cytocele (prolapsed bladder).

I am one of those moms! My first child was an ounce away from 12 lbs and 23.5 inches long. I have looked pregnant ever since. No matter how much weight I loss or how hard I worked I was constantly asked when I was due. Incredibly embarrassing and hurtful. I just had my third c/s and the doctor kindly sewed my stomach muscles together. He made no guarantee they would stay and obviously the muscles are very stretched. I’m hoping losing the baby weight and the tupler technique will FINALLY rid me of the when are you due question. And when I’m pregnant I am HUGE and I get the rudest comments. I feel ya girl!

OMG!!! I am crying right now.. The reason is because, I have been struggling with Diastasis recti for 5 years. This has gotten worse for me after my 3rd C-section I have seen many PCP’s to figure out why my abdomen never went down after I delivered and had not gotten any luck with answers. Through God’s grace because I was so adamant that something could be wrong! While at work ( I currently work in the medical field) I learned of this diagnosis. My abdomen looks similar to this one in the picture (maybe even bigger) I would say 6-7 months pregnant and I am desperately searching for anything to help me heal my abdomen. I find myself with self esteem issues( possibly a little depressed) because I always felt that I would carry this for the rest of my life. Until I stumbled across this website then had a glimpse of hope. I just want to say thanks for sharing your story because there are moms like me struggling with this issue and don’t know what to do. I not a big fan of surgery at all so if there was a possible way of trying this I am definitely game.. please email website pricing info

What a crazy relief- I have never found someone that had a case as extreme as mine until now! I only recently learned about alternatives to surgery, and I can’t wait to try. What I’m trying to do now is decide between Tupler & MuTu. My understanding is that Tupler is really no-nonsense, which sounds great, (and I like the idea of the splint), but MuTu is also good for losing weight over all (an added bonus, though less of a concern than healing my diastisis). Can anyone offer opinions?

Thank you for posting on this subject. I have two children (and two C-sections) within 17 months of each other and my stomach looks like I’m 6 months pregnant. It’s effecting me mentally and I couldn’t figure out why I was the only one with this problem. I needed to read your blog and you have no idea what a help you’ve been!

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Just 11 short days after this photo was taken, our 5th child, Emily, died. To read her story click on her picture. To find resources for grieving families, visit The Grieving Mother section of this site.